Saint Amato Ronconi
Franciscan tertiary of Saludecio who built a hospice for pilgrims and the poor
- Rank
- Saint
- Kind
- Layperson, Founder
- Life
- 1226 – 1292
- Era
- 13th century
- Feast
- 8 May
- Countries
- Italy
Life story
Amato Ronconi was born at Saludecio near Rimini around 1225 or 1226 (sources differ, and one Italian biography says the date is unknown). He was a layman and a member of the Franciscan Third Order. Accounts say he went on pilgrimage to several places, among them the tomb of Saint Gaudentius at Rimini, the cave of Saint Marinus on Monte Titano and, four times, Santiago de Compostela.
He founded a hospice on Monte Orciale near Saludecio, dedicated to the Nativity of Mary, to shelter the poor and pilgrims; one source says he converted a house on the road from Rimini to Rome for this purpose. The building survives today as a home for the elderly bearing his name. Tradition says that while planning a fifth pilgrimage an angel told him he would soon die and he returned home; this is legend with no documentary support.
He died on 8 May 1292 and was buried in the church of San Biagio in Saludecio. On 17 April 1776 Pope Pius VI confirmed his cult and declared him blessed. On 23 November 2014 Pope Francis canonised him in St Peter's Square; the step is described as confirming a long-established devotion. His feast day is 8 May.
Works and witness
- Lived as a lay Franciscan tertiary at Saludecio near Rimini
- Made pilgrimages, including four to Santiago de Compostela
- Founded a hospice on Monte Orciale for the poor and pilgrims
- His cult was confirmed by Pope Pius VI in 1776
- Canonised by Pope Francis on 23 November 2014
Saints from the same country
References
- Frati Cappuccini (fracecilio.it): 'Beato Amato Ronconi - 8 maggio' (hospice, pilgrimages, 1776 confirmation of cult)
- Santi e Beati: 'Sant' Amato Ronconi', santiebeati.it/dettaglio/91599
Written by Anawim from documented history. Some details about ancient saints rest on tradition and are marked as such.